A new preschool for deaf children in Regina will be hosted at the site of a similar program that was phased out last spring.

The Ministry of Education program — Children Communicating, Connecting and in Community — will begin in September at Henry Janzen School and will be run by the Regina Public School Division.

Operating with federal government funding, the half-day program will have up to 16 spaces for three- and four-year-olds. About half of the class will be made up of children who are deaf or have a hearing impairment, and the other half will be children who have a family member or friend who is deaf.

“We’re very pleased to have that opportunity to support kiddos. It’s very exciting for us,” said Wanda Saul, co-ordinator intensive supports for Regina Public.

Saul couldn’t say whether the new program would be a morning or afternoon class.

Children will attend school four days a week, with the fifth day allowing time for family and community events.

There will be one adult per six children, said Saul.

The lead educator will have early childhood training, specialized in working with deaf and hard of hearing children, said Saul. Up to two educational assistants will be on staff.

Saul said the division is considering adding a part-time speech language pathologist, too.

At least one staff member will be fluent in American Sign Language (ASL), and at least one staff member will be able to provide clear speech models.

“Our goal is that we’re creating an environment for children who use visual or oral language or both. It’s designed as an inclusive environment, for both oral and sign language development, ASL, and that was a key component of our proposal,” said Saul.

“I think that much of the research is showing that for early learning in language and communication skills, having opportunities in both are showing good results.”

Regina Public was one of two applicants wanting to host a preschool in Regina.

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